Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to using a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.